This training manual is based on experiences from the 10 Pilot Learning Woredas (PLW) of the Improving Productivity and Market Success (IPMS) of Ethiopian Farmers Project. It aims at assisting extension staff in analysing the roles of men and women in agricultural value chains and working towards a more gender balanced market-oriented agricultural development.

It is generally assumed that the threat of HIV/AIDS increases as a result of a more market-oriented agricultural development. Greater mobility to purchase inputs and market produce, coupled with increased spending power, are often quoted as contributing factors in increasing the risk of exposure to HIV. The IPMS project is sensitive to these potential threats and has developed tools to assess situations and propose solutions in the PLWs. These form part of the training manual aimed at improving the capacity of the extension staff to deal with HIV/AIDS in their day to day activities.